We visited the Fitz for the umpteenth time a couple of weeks ago for a family dinner. The Pub is in the teeny village of goodnestone, just outside of Canterbury . It was warm and cosy inside with a log fire in the bar, and in the restaurant. The decor is simple but comfortable and relaxing. We had a drink in the bar, sitting in the comfy leather old fashioned sofas whilst we chose our food (there's a choice of 5 for each course, couple of meats fish and poultry and a veggie option), nibbling on the free olives and roasted nuts and seeds, and then were seated by the friendly waitress in time for our starters. The wine list was a good mix of grapes and reasonable prices (i recommend the sancerre!). For starter I had a delicious squash and sage soup, creamy and warming, others went for the classic of bayonne ham and celeriac remoulade (which i stole from my partners plate being a slight addict of this veg!). If the chef, David Hart, has his rabbit and bacon terrine on the menu though -i would recommend that every time!!! For main I had the leek and poached egg gratin with a mustardy sauce which was divine and worth turning veggie for, although i had to dig into my partners pork belly crackling, so scratch that!
Whilst puds should have been impossible after all this food, we couldn't resist the hot choc pud dessert, which is worth the wait, although we did succumb to sharing this amongst 3 of us! If you're lucky enough to go on a night when he has his homemade honeycomb, you have to try that! I had a sauterne to help me digest whilst the others had coffee and fresh mint tea, and rolled myself back to the car for the homeward journey.
We live in London, but have family in Canterbury, and this is a firm favourite of mine and a happy way to spend an evening slowly stuffing oneself on michelin star worthy food! its about £20/£25 for 3 courses. (the goodnestone gardens are well worth a visit if you come for lunch and want to walk it off!) read more